Ruislip is a town in the London borough of Hillingdon, north west London.
It’s only 14 miles from the heart of the city, but comes with benefits including quiet residential streets, green spaces and even its own beach. And, taking just 30 minutes to the centre of London by train, the area is also an ideal commuter spot.
Escalating house prices in more central London have seen outer suburbs, such as Ruislip, grow in popularity. House prices currently stand at more than £540,000. However, this is still less than the average for London overall. You can check the most up-to-date prices at Zoopla here.
Want to learn more about living in London? Pick up some ideas from our guides on central London**, east London** and north London**.**
Living in Ruislip: what to expect
At the heart of Ruislip is its High Street, which comprises a cosmopolitan mix of shops and restaurants. At the north end of this central street you’ll find Grade-II listed buildings which once formed the original core of Ruislip back in the days when it was a secluded rural village.
Leading from the High Street are Ruislip’s leafy streets. Many are lined with Victorian terraces but there’s no shortage of new developments too. The former Arla Dairy site for example, now a Bellway housing development, will comprise a cinema, restaurants and a public piazza, as well as a range of new-build homes.
Ruislip residents have their pick of green spaces. To the north is the Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, and to the west is the water-strewn Colne Valley Regional Park. And for indoor sports, such as tennis and football, there’s always Queensmead Sports Centre.
Schools in Ruislip are a particular draw for parents. Newnham Junior School and Field End Infant School are just two of the schools in the area that have recently received an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.
Where to start your property search
Ruislip is divided into six areas: North Ruislip, Ruislip Town, Ruislip Manor, South Ruislip, Ruislip Gardens and West Ruislip. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available and where.
North Ruislip: North Ruislip is the most sought-after area thanks largely to its proximity to the woods. For easy access to the woodland, hunt along roads such as Park Avenue. Here you’ll find grand detached homes that boast large driveways and a tranquil setting.
More modest homes in this patch of Ruislip are found in places such as Brickett Close. This road has two-bedroom maisonettes that back onto parkland, making escape to the countryside in London super-easy. Two-bedroom terraces on quiet estates can also be found on Allonby Drive.
Ruislip Manor and Ruislip Town: If you want an apartment, check out the purpose-built flats on Pembroke Road. Stylish and contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments are available, including penthouses with views right across the town.
If you have a larger budget, see what’s available on The Ridgeway. Here you will find comfortable four-bedroom detached homes, many of which come with large gardens.
Gated developments are also available. Look to Royal Court off Hume Way, which has both apartments and houses for sale.
West Ruislip: If you want close proximity to the golf course, you’ll want to look for houses for sale in West Ruislip. As well as the ubiquitous terraces, sizeable semis are available on streets such as Ickenham Road. Some come with mock-Tudor detailing and gabled roofs. There's also new-build flats and houses available at Taylor Wimpey's Highfield Court development.
South Ruislip: Larger three-bedroom Victorian terraces with bay windows and off-road parking can be found on Victoria Road. If your budget can’t stretch that far, look further along the road for humble one-bedroom flats above the shops.
If you’d prefer a new-build, check out Bellway’s Victoria Road development on the former Arla Dairy site. This new estate has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom contemporary apartments (some with balconies or terraces) with open-plan living space. It’s also close to South Ruislip train station.
Ruislip Gardens: Look for a traditional Victorian terrace on streets such as Lea Crescent and Bedford Road. Alternatively, opt for a semi-detached home with bay windows on Stafford Road. Bungalows here are available too if you are looking for something more manageable.
Purpose-built flats, some with balconies, are also available on West End Road, which will put you close to the local shops.
Getting around Ruislip
By Tube: Ruislip benefits from no less than five Tube stations spanning three lines. Ruislip station and Ruislip Manor are on the Metropolitan Line and Piccadilly lines, while Ruislip Gardens and West Ruislip station and South Ruislip are on the Central line. From Ruislip Manor, locals can reach King’s Cross St Pancras International in 35 minutes.
West Ruislip station and South Ruislip station also connect to Chiltern Railways. A journey to London Marylebone from South Ruislip takes just 20 minutes.
By car: To the south of Ruislip is the A40, which connects residents to Hammersmith, central London and the City, as well as the M25 and the M40.
By air: The closest international airport is Heathrow, which is a 25-minute drive away. London Luton Airport is around 45 minutes away.
Things to do in Ruislip
History: Manor Farm comprises 22 acres of historical buildings and archaeological remains. This includes the 12th-century Great Barn and the 16th-century Little Barn – now a public library. Book into craft workshops, which teach skills such as pottery and leather work.
Cultural: Tucked away in the grounds of Manor Farm is the Winston Churchill Theatre and Hall. You can hire the hall for an event or go to see a musical or drama hosted by the local theatre group.
Community hubs such as South Ruislip Community Centre offer a range of recreational activities, such as martial arts and exercise classes. Ruislip Social Club hosts regular ‘club’ nights with live music.
Outdoors: The Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve covers an impressive 726 acres. Wander around ancient woodland or head to the edge of the woods to enjoy the Ruislip Lido. The lido has its own beach area and becomes very busy during the summer months.
Colne Valley Regional Park sprawls over 40 square miles and allows Londoners a true slice of countryside. You’ll find more than 200 miles of river and canal and 60 lakes here. Horse riding, cycling, wind surfing and walking are just some of the activities on offer. The area also has its own Ruislip Golf Course which includes a separate driving range.
Shopping: Ruislip High Street is the most central shopping location with mainstream favourites including Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. West End Road in Ruislip Gardens offers convenience stores and take-aways, while in Victoria Road at Ruislip Manor you’ll find Tesco and Superdrug.
Once a month the Foodies Market, part of Duck Pond Market, sets up at Manor Farm. Breakfast and lunch are served up on communal tables and local food producers showcase their produce. A petting zoo and face painting stall are also open for visitors.
Artisan Food and Craft Market is held every month. It features the best local artists, crafters and ethical businesses selling gifts, homeware and clothing.
Food and drink: For pasta and pizza, book a table at Zaza. This restaurant dishes up authentic Italian cuisine and makes all its dishes on site from scratch.
The Miller & Carter steakhouse is the go-to place for meat-lovers. Choose from 13 different steaks and specify how you like it cooked and which sauce you want. All the steaks are aged over 30 days.
Traditional Jamaican food is on offer at Jamaican Cuisine. Try the famous rum punch while tucking into dishes such as ackee and saltfish, goat curry and jerk chicken.
Hidden Ruislip
Wander along Cranley Drive to find the inconspicuous bungalow that once housed Soviet spies. The Americans living there were part of the Portland Spy Ring and used a hidden radio transmitter to make reports to Russia.
5 reasons to live in Ruislip
Excellent commuter links
Spans three Tube lines
Within easy reach of large open green space
Several ‘outstanding’ schools
Cosmopolitan culture
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